Water main upgrades start near downtown Naperville

A project aiming to increase the reliability of the water distribution system in downtown Naperville began taking shape Monday and is expected to last until September, city officials said.

Crews began staging equipment for the $471,000 water main improvement project along Fifth Avenue and Columbia Street in advance of construction scheduled to start Wednesday, spokeswoman Linda LaCloche said.

The project will update water distribution pipes and valves to create a better flow as part of the water department’s long-term plan to enhance infrastructure in the downtown. Work on Fifth Avenue from Columbia Street to Loomis Street and on Columbia 200 feet north of Fifth also will include pavement patching and restoration of curbs and landscaping.

Residents in the immediate area of the project will be notified before short periods when their water service will be disrupted while new services are being connected.

Westbound traffic only will be allowed on Fifth from Columbia to Loomis during the project and detours will be in effect for drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians. Construction also will make 36 daily fee commuter parking spaces on 5th unavailable while a contractor is working in the area, LaCloche said.

Commuters can visit the commuter parking page on the city’s website for a map of alternate parking spaces downtown and drivers are encouraged to avoid the area if possible.